LAHORE, Nov 17: Brig (retd) Ihjaz Husain, a steward of the Lahore Race Club and a former secretary, Livestock & Dairy Devel-opment, Punjab, died here following heart and kidney complications late last night. He was 76. Ihjaz Hussain leaves behind a widow, a son (Major Ali Ihjaz) and four daughters besides many friends, admirers and relatives to mourn his loss.

He was born in Sahiwal in 1929. A graduate of the Punjab University, during his college years, he took an active part in the independence struggle, and was the member of the Muslim Students Federation, Punjab.

He had the privilege of meeting the Quaid-i-Azam when the latter came to Lahore in 1945 to address the students at the Islamia College.

Brig Hussain was also a good sportsman in college, taking part in various sports including football, weight-lifting, rowing and other extra-curricular activities. He was adjudged the best UOTC (University Officers Training Corps) cadet from Punjab University in 1948.

After graduation he served as a demonstrator in the anatomy section, and was commissioned in Pakistan Army in 1950. He held many important positions before being promoted to the rank of brigadier. He was appointed as secretary, livestock, Punjab, a post he held from 1979 to 1986, and had the chance of organizing a number of horse and cattle shows. He represented Pakistan at various international forums and conferences.

Brig Hussain won a great honour when in an international competition of individual show-jumping, he beat India’s best show-jumper Gen Habibullah in 1957, creating a record in the equestrian history of Pakistan.

He was the first-ever Pakistani to be selected by the Asian Equestrian Federation on the panel of its jury. He was invited to supervise in the 9th Asian Olympics as a member of the jury in New Delhi in 1982.

For his love of horses, he was enrolled as member of the Lahore Race club in 1982, and was elected steward the same year retaining the position to his last days.

Brig Hussain’s Namaz-i-Janaza will be offered at his residence, 116/3 Tufail Road, Lahore Cantonment, at 3pm today (Friday). He will be laid to rest in the Cavalry graveyard.